Library Mouse – Daniel Kirk

Library Mouse introduces the reader to an adorable little mouse named Sam who lives behind the children’s reference book section at the library.  Sam loves his life living at the library and reads and reads and reads.  After enjoying a wide variety of books, he decides to write a book himself.  He shares his completed book with the library patrons by placing it on a book shelf at night.  After a few of Sam’s masterpieces appear at the library, a request is made for Sam to appear at a “Meet the Author” event.   Sam answers the request with some creative problem solving which ultimately allows everyone the opportunity to find their respective voice as a writer.

As a former English teacher, I absolutely love this book!  It reinforces the power of reading in developing imaginative thought as well as clearly sharing that each and every one of us has a story to tell.  It is a marvelous celebration of the power of reading and writing.   The amazing illustrations and powerful message make it a perfect read aloud.  I cannot wait to read the next book in this series!

Monsters Don’t Eat Broccoli – Barbara Jean Hicks

Monsters Don’t Eat Broccoli is quite simply a fun book.  The illustrations are bold and colorful and all the monsters are drawn in a whimsical manner that reminds me of Sesame Street friends like Elmo and Cookie Monster.  They were instantly loved by our daughter!

The rhyming text is clever and works well with the bright, engaging illustrations.  It seems that monsters are willing to eat just about anything (boulders, tractors,  ships, trees)  with the exception of broccoli, but surprises await the monsters as well as the reader is this light-hearted, engaging tale.